Ken Wahl Supports Veterans on Memorial Day

Ken Wahl Supports Veterans on Memorial Day
Ken Whal Hounds for Heroes Extra

Ken Whal

Stars Give Back
May 27, 2013

Actor Ken Wahl has a special message to veterans this Memorial Day:

“My main objective is to help veterans connect with service rescue animals as a way to help those afflicted with PTSD and other maladies. The connection between human and animal is symbiotic. I was incredulous to learn that the suicide rate of veterans exceeded the rate of combat deaths. As a grateful American and a staunch supporter of our military, as well as an animal lover, it was natural for me to want to try to help by getting the animals and the military together.”

“On Memorial Day, I would like people to remember the struggles of our afflicted service members, and the struggles of our rescue animals. Putting them together will reduce the struggle for both. As such, I would like to ask you to assist me in spreading this message loudly, and as far and as widely as possible. Thank you very much for your help. Sincerely, Ken Wahl”

Veterans Fight War on Suicide

Veterans Fight War on Suicide
WHSV.com
By: Anna-Lysa Gayle
May 27, 2013

HARRISONBURG -- A recent study conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs shows 22 veterans commit suicide every day.

"There is a lot of soldiers these days that are committing suicide because of the many deployments that they go through," said Sergeant Bruce Webb, the Post Chaplain of the American Legion in Harrisonburg.

"I was losing my marriage, I was highly intoxicated. I had done isolated myself. I was taking pain pills because of the injuries I sustained in Iraq," said Webb describing why he attempted suicide.

Webb was recently diagnosed with a severe case of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He attempted suicide on June 10, 2010.

Sergeant Webb is now an ordained minister. He wants other veterans considering suicide to know they're not alone. He still struggles to cope after over three decades in the army.
read more here

Missing Marine found by police and getting help he needs

Missing marine found safe, now being treated for PTSD
FOX News
Dana Rebik

SEATTLE — For weeks, Sandy Pablik feared the worst. Her son, a 23 year-old Marine from California, was missing and was last seen in the Seattle area. On Saturday, Sandy got a phone call.

“The nurse of the hospital called me and it was a bit surreal because I thought it was just somebody calling in for a tip,” said Pablik.

Police found her son, Jonathan, outside a local grocery store. The vet reportedly suffers from PTSD, after tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was lucid enough to talk to his mom on the phone.

“He said he missed me a lot. I reassured him I loved him dearly and he said he loved me, too. It was such a sigh of relief, I can’t even tell you,” said Pablik.
read more here
Marine Combat Vet Jonathan Pablik missing

Camp Lejeune Marine body found in motel after shooting spree

Marine linked to deadly Texas shooting spree, body in NC motel room
By M. Alex Johnson and Tracy Connor
NBC News
May 27, 2013

A Marine who went on a deadly shooting spree across two Texas counties before being killed in a firefight has also been linked to a woman found dead in a North Carolina motel room, officials said.

Authorities gave no motive for Sunday’s rampage by Esteban J. Smith, 23, who was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

It began about 4:30 a.m. local time when Smith, who was driving a pickup truck, opened fire on a vehicle in Eden, Texas, wounding an unidentified woman, police said.

He then made his way to a convenience store in Brady, in McCulloch County, where he shot and injured two people as they sat in their vehicle, police said. They were treated and released.
read more here

Soldiers with PTSD make disturbing masks to express their feelings

The agonizing face of war
Soldiers with PTSD make disturbing masks to express their feelings of horror and frustration
By JESSICA MONTOYA COGGINS
26 May 2013

A unique therapy initiative for soldiers returning from war has produced a number of face masks created by veterans still coping from the stress and trauma they've witnessed.

The art program is for soldiers returning from active-duty who have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries or other psychological health problems.

The center of the treatment is at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where many of the soldiers are recuperating following their tours abroad.
see more here
The soldier who created this mask wanted to show his trouble with opening up to his emotions. (Nicoe)